Archive for the ‘News’ Category

You work hard at your business to earn money, and often that hard earned money makes its way to your advertising budget. Making sure that your advertising works to improve your business is crucial, and this leads to the all important tracking metrics – measuring the success of your ad campaign. One of the most common mistakes made in this arena is confusing response with results.

While tracking results can be tricky, tracking response is rather easy. Results have an impact on your bottom line. Responses indicate that people were exposed to your ads, but not whether those ads motivated them to make a purchase or made an impact on their opinion of your business. If you’re clear on the difference, try this experiment. Purchase some billboards in your hometown and put nothing on them other than a picture of your face. The entire billboard is nothing more than you smiling. It won’t take long before your family, friends, co-workers etc. will begin to comment that they’ve seen you on a billboard. That is a response. It accomplishes nothing, but it is a response nonetheless. (This, by the way, is not a dig on billboards, which are fine ways to advertise. It’s just an easy example.) Anheuser-Busch (specifically Budweiser and Bud Light) count their ad budgets amongst the largest in the US, and their share of domestic beer sales reflects this. Do you think anyone has ever placed a 6-pack on the counter and said “I love those new TV spots?” The point of this is that just knowing people saw yours ads isn’t enough, they have to react to them. If you can track this, or better yet hire an ad agency to help you, you can get the most out of your ad budget.

As an interactive agency, we manage many Facebook pages, so we must stay informed on a wide variety of issues. As an individual, I “like” certain pages because I am interested in specific services, products or issues. I am particularly passionate about politics. My party affiliation— while no secret—does not define me, but this is because I prefer to stay open-minded. For this reason, I subscribe to or “like” both Democratic and Republican Facebook Pages and, for that matter, Democratic and Republican people. It’s not that I straddle the political fence; I just like to see both sides of important issues.

This week I read a post written by a Democratic Senator in Alabama about an Elder Abuse Prevention Act that was removed from the calendar. Initially I was upset that the Act, which I considered to be important, was rejected after the good, hard work that went into getting it ready to present. My first impulse was to write a post in support of the Senator’s post, but I decided to review some of the GOP pages to get a better perspective. What I read was equally upsetting.

A bill was proposed and rejected to increase funding for domestic violence shelters. Filibustering was used to stall funding for the Kidney Foundation as well as to delay discussions regarding a bill for battered women. One Senator questioned aid for kids and another boldly stated he would simply “talk all night.” I’m not even sure why filibustering is allowed; to me, it seems a pure waste of everyone’s time.

For those of you that follow this blog and are not familiar with Alabama politics, here’s a quick history lesion: The Democrats were in control of the Senate for decades. (I apologize for the broad, undefined timeframe as I did not confirm the exact number of years.) Now the Republicans are in the majority, and it seems that “what’s good for the goose” is being played out on the Senate floor in Montgomery.

When we went to the polls, we voted for adults—hopefully smart, compassionate, and fair-minded adults. But let’s face it, shamefully childish games are being played out on the Senate floor. Acts and Bills related to many important issues are being drafted and introduced. While most of them have merit and whether they are introduced by Democratic Senators or Republican Senators, most are also asking for funding; and at the end of the day, as we should all know, it all boils down to money!

So, if proposed bills are good for the people AND we, as the people/government, can afford to fund them, then they should be seriously considered no matter who presents them. And if an Act or a Bill for a good cause is not approved, it may not be because it didn’t have merit or that the other side didn’t believe it in, but ultimately if may be that we cannot afford it at this time. So let me replace the political overtone of elderly abuse or battered women which are both equally good causes that should be supported, with an example everyone can relate: fruits & vegetables. If both fruits and vegetables are good for my children and I only have enough money for one—which do I choose? And if I choose veggies, is it right for anyone to promote that I choose not to feed my children fruit?

To any regular person, “Tracking the effectiveness of your website” may sound like a very daunting task. You can sit back and ask yourself, “How am I supposed to do that?” Honestly, it’s quick and easy; both the seasoned marketer and the fresh graduate alike can master what it takes to create the perfect website. Thanks to Google and their creation of Google Analytics, you can now carefully and effectively track how visitors interact with your websites with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Google Analytics is a free web service that statistically tracks the traffic of your website and gives you the insight into your marketing effectiveness. It provides you with information that allows you to understand how to better your website by writing more effective-targeted ads, strengthening your marketing initiatives and creating a higher converting website. This information can provide the path to convert your visitors into customers.

Other key features offered by Google are the exceptional Free Support Resources. They offer a Setup Checklist that keeps track of your progress as you follow the provided steps for implementing and using Google Analytics. Their User Forum allows you to gain quick information from the Google Analytics support staff, Google employees, and other users. The Help Center enables you to search for Google Analytics articles, user discussions, developer resources, and more. And, Google Code enables you to find developer resources and Google Analytics technical documentation, customizing your tracking code, and exporting your Analytics data.

Also, on the site are several educational resources to assist in developing your skills and help you “Get smarter with Google Analytics.” They offer a Google Analytics Individual Qualification course that offers comprehensive training in Google Analytics implementation and data analysis and readies you for the $50 Google Analytics Individual Qualification. Completion of the curriculum and test will allow your organization to easily train and qualify staff. Google also offers Seminars for Success. This option offers day-long seminars delivered by hand-picked industry professionals in cities across the United States. These seminar courses will improve your online marketing and help you get the most out of Google Analytics. Finally, users can check out the latest Google Analytics videos on YouTube’s Google Analytics channel.

Google Analytics also offers an online blog that contains all sorts of information that can assist you in learning how to effectively use the free web service. The blog contains over 300 postings with topics ranging from “Beginner Topics” to “Training and Events” to “Learning Resources.” It is highly recommended that all users utilize the blog to learn all the tips and tricks to getting the most out of the Google Analytics service and the information it provides.

With the World Wide Web being home to over 182 million websites, creating the perfect website may seem almost impossible. But, don’t be discouraged, Google has got your back. With the statistics and information they are able to provide you, you will be able to improve your website with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Visit Google Analytics to find out more about the features they have to offer. And, it’s free to sign up! All you have to do is use your Google Gmail account or sign up for one if you don’t already have one.

It’s been a hairied 6 weeks for The Diabetic Shoppe and Blue Olive Consulting! On March 16, we launched brand and direct response television spots in 3 MSAs across North Alabama, targeting the 65+ demographic. This is the first of 2 MSA launches that will occur before a regional/national approach is taken.

Each spot aired in rotation across 2 cable and 2 broadcast outlets. The spots emphasized the benefits of becoming a Diabetic Shoppe patient while having a strong call to action and the results were outstanding. The spots generated a 46.01% return at a cost per lead of less than $95!

The Diabetic Shoppe, along with Blue Olive, plans to launch a second test market in Missouri where we’re hoping for even better results.

After several months of planning and development, Blue Olive Consulting is pleased to announce the launch of a custom, web-based Task & Event Management System (TEMS) v. 2.0., developed by ConnexionsWork specifically for advertising, marketing, and event companies. TEMS is an easy-to-use, efficient project, task, and event management system designed with the advertising, marketing, event promotion and communication industry in mind. This project management software allows clients and agencies to actively collaborate in the management of their campaign while allowing the agency to better maintain control over timelines.

TEMS can accommodate an unlimited number of clients and related tasks or projects, making it easy to manage multiple-tier workflows and projects. Internally, agency management can maintain a close watch on all client projects and timelines throughout the shop. Externally, clients can access the simple user interface to keep a watch on their project’s status (24/7), removing the anxious feeling clients often get as projects near completion.

At-a-glance MarCom calendar

Through secure, private logins, clients can easily access their MarCom calendar for an at-a-glance view of their yearly campaign. TEMS’ drilldown feature allows for quick views of project types and upcoming project completion dates. From their client page, clients can make updates to current tasks, place a task on hold, request new tasks, close completed tasks, or kill a task that doesn’t need to more forward. The system even offers an invoice tracking option.

“So often a client will call with a question and the job jacket isn’t on my desk, so we weren’t able to be as responsive as we’d like,” says Britton Watson, agency President and COO. “TEMS allows us access to an electronic job jacket of sorts. To review previous creative drafts, projects notes and email communication between internal staff and the client makes keeping on top of clients’ projects much easier.”

Separate, but related, files can also be uploaded to a task for easy access by client and agency alike. All changes to a task are filed within the task history so no information is lost. And, each time a task is updated, mass emails are sent notifying all associated team members of the change. Trafficking jobs becomes an easy and streamlined process with TEMS. TEMS keeps you On Task and On Time.

TEMS also has task report generating capabilities. The task report can be sorted by active, hold and completed tasks. From this report, clients and agency management are granted one-click access to tasks for quick and easy updates.

TEMS is extremely customizable and can fit your needs, whatever they might be.

Blue Olive Consulting, LLC, a full service communications firm, has named Stacy Mayfield as Interactive/SEO Coordinator. As the Interactive/SEO Coordinator, Mayfield is responsible for the implementation of the agency’s search engine optimization tactics to help improve natural search engine rankings for our growing number of interactive clients.

“Stacy came to us as an intern and became such an integral part of our interactive team, we couldn’t let her go,” said Britton Watson, President of Blue Olive Consulting. “Her amazing organizational and analytical skills, along with her natural problem solving abilities make her a perfect fit for the agency.”
Mayfield works closely with the interactive and account services team, ensuring the use of the most effective search engine optimization practices. She is also responsible for trend tracking, reporting, researching SEO opportunities and implementing recommended content changes for new and existing websites.

Stacy Mayfield, Interactive/SEO Coordinator

“I am excited to be part of an agency that is ahead of the trends,” said Mayfield. “Blue Olive is focused on being in front of the interactive development and search engine optimization curve. I’m thrilled that such an opportunity exists in my hometown.”

About Blue Olive ConsultingBlue Olive Consulting, LLC opened in Nashville, Tenn. in July 1999 as an independent marketing consultancy. In 2005, Blue Olive relocated its head office to Florence, Ala. and in February 2006 expanded operations by acquiring a local agency. Blue Olive specializes in interactive development, search engine optimization, strategic marketing, and media planning. For more information about Blue Olive and its services, please visit theblueolive.com.

Agency selected as one of The Most Dependable Web Designers of The Southern United States for 2008 by Goldline Research

Florence, AL—May 8, 2008—Blue Olive Consulting, LLC, a full service communications firm, has been selected by Goldline Research as one of The Most Dependable Web Designers of The Southern United States for 2008. The list of The Most Dependable Web Designers of The Southern United States is scheduled to be published in the April 1 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine. Blue Olive Consulting was chosen in this region to receive this prestigious award.

“Blue Olive is thrilled to have our work acknowledged in the industry,” said Britton Watson, Blue Olive COO. “Web design and the internet is an ever-changing frontier and we are pleased to know that we are continuing to stay on top of it.”

“Blue Olive Consulting truly distinguished itself during our evaluation of the industry,” said Allen Scott, Research Director, Goldline Research. “The firm met or exceeded every expectation we have for holistic, client-centric firms.”

About Blue Olive Consulting, LLC

Blue Olive Consulting, LLC opened in Nashville, Tennessee, in July 1999 as an independent marketing consultancy. In 2005, Blue Olive relocated its head office to Florence, Alabama and in February 2006 expanded operations by acquiring a local agency. Blue Olive specializes in internet development, strategic marketing, and media planning. For more information about Blue Olive and its services, please visit theblueolive.com.

About the Goldline Research

Goldline Research is a third-party, independent research firm specializing in evaluating professional services firms. Goldline Research undertakes an extensive, in-depth research process to review all qualified companies in a respective area. Its proprietary research process includes individual company interviews and quantitative analysis of key company data, as well as customer reference checks to confirm high levels of customer service. Those companies that ultimately earn Goldline Research’s Most Dependable designation demonstrate a commitment to service unparalleled in their industry.

Florence, AL-Blue Olive Consulting, LLC, a full service communications firm, received a total of 16 ADDY Awards at the 2008 Tennessee Valley Advertising Federation ADDY Awards ceremony held at Monaco Pictures in Huntsville on February 23, 2008.

“Blue Olive is thrilled to have 16 of 18 pieces submitted acknowledged by our industry with these prestigious awards,” said Britton Watson, Blue Olive COO. “Our firm is still relatively new to the area, but we are definitely making an impact. We look forward to more great campaigns this year and to next year’s award ceremony.”